Stanford D G, Georgouras K E, Sullivan E A, Greenoak G E
Dermatology Centre, Liverpool Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
Australas J Dermatol. 1996 May;37 Suppl 1:S36-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.1996.tb01078.x.
Skin phototype was assessed in 257 Asian Australians by self-reporting questionnaire. Minimal erythema dose, minimal melanogenic dose and minimal immediate pigment darkening dose were measured in a subgroup of 50 subjects. About 15% of Asian Australians in this study report that they have skin type I or II. Phototesting confirms that there is a UV-sensitive group and a wide spectrum of UV-sensitivity in this population. Whether Fitzpatrick's skin typing system adequately identifies this UV-sensitive group needs assessment by a larger study. The relationship between burning tendency and tanning capacity in Asians may differ from Caucasians.
